Multi-level power converter and a method for controlling a multi-level power converter
US9755497B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B70/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A multi-level power converter includes switching cells, each comprising switching devices and an energy storage element. The switching cells include switching cells of a first type and switching cells of a second type. The converter includes, for each phase, a first arm of serial connected switching cells and a second arm of serial connected switching cells, which first arm and second arm are connected in parallel. The first arm includes more switching cells of the first type than switching cells of the second type and the second arm includes more switching cells of the second type than switching cells of the first type. The switching cells of the first type have lower conduction loss than the switching cells of the second type. The converter is arranged so that a larger current flows through the first arm than the second arm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.